Antiques Roadshow Visits Historic Souter Lighthouse

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

The BBC’s antiques show visited Souter Lighthouse in Tyne and Wear, highlighting its role as the world’s first purpose-built electric lighthouse and showcasing a variety of notable artifacts brought in by visitors. The episode featured rare items such as a Napoleon Bonaparte-signed letter and an early David Hockney portrait, emphasizing the site’s rich historical connections and cultural significance.

The BBC’s antiques program visited Souter Lighthouse in Tyne and Wear for a recent episode, showcasing the site’s historic significance and a range of notable items brought in by visitors. Souter Lighthouse, established in 1871, is recognized as the world’s first purpose-built electric lighthouse, marking a milestone in maritime navigation technology.

During the episode broadcast on BBC1, presenter Fiona Bruce and her team examined various artifacts, including an early portrait by renowned British artist David Hockney. Additionally, the show featured a letter signed by the French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte, adding a significant historical element to the collection. Another highlight was a piece of fabric designed by Zandra Rhodes in the 1960s, which was discovered tucked away in a wardrobe.

The program provided insight into the historical context of Souter Lighthouse while considering the provenance and value of the items brought in by the public. The episode aimed to engage viewers with both the heritage of the lighthouse and the diverse stories behind the antiques.

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